News

Nuisance neighbour evicted

A man from Netherton has been evicted from his home for repeated antisocial behaviour.

KNH took legal action against Mohammed Khan, of Juniper Mews Grove, following complaints by neighbours of sustained nuisance by Mr Khan and visitors to his flat.

Despite attempts by KNH, the police and support services to persuade Mr Khan to change his behaviour, the problems continued, with 95 allegations logged between May 2008 and June 2010.

These included noise from vehicles, music, shouting and swearing by both Mr Khan and his visitors. In addition, there have also been incidents including banging and threats made by Mr Khan and his visitors towards other residents and numerous police visits.

Following a three day hearing at Huddersfield County Court on 30 June, a judge gave KNH immediate possession of Mr Khan’s home and also issued an injunction designed to protect witnesses in the case.

The injunction forbids Mr Khan, whether by himself or by instructing or encouraging or permitting any other person, from:

Within Juniper Grove Mews, Netherton, Huddersfield and within 500m of his neighbour’s home:

2) Harassing, intimidating or pestering any individual residing, visiting or otherwise engaging in lawful activity in the same area.

3) Using abusive words or behaviour towards any individual residing, visiting or otherwise engaging in lawful activity in the same area.

4) Enagaging or threatening to engage in any incident likely to cause anti-social behaviour towards any individual residing, visiting or otherwise engaging in lawful activity in the same area

5) In any place communicating directly and/or indirectly with key witnesses or using or threatening to use violence towards them or harassing, intimidating or pestering them or using abusive words or behaviour towards them.

The order is in force until 22 December 2010 and carries a power of arrest if it is breached.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, the Cabinet member responsible for housing, said: “The judge has taken a firm line in this case and I hope this eviction shows how seriously the council and its partners take antisocial behaviour.

“While we will work together to help those who need it, we will also make sure we protect the interests of the wider community.”

Paul Buckley, KNH's Director of Neighbourhoods, said “Antisocial behaviour is an issue all over the country and in every kind of community. It’s a complicated issue to tackle and we will always try to work with tenants to help them settle into their homes and communities. But sometimes, the level of antisocial behaviour is such that we are left with no alternative but to evict them – and that’s not something we take lightly.

“We want to make sure our residents can live peacefully alongside each other but if that doesn’t happen, we won’t hesitate to take appropriate action.”